How to Make the Perfect Mint Julep

Today is the official day of summer. Today we’re kicking off the season with a backyard barbecue and I’m hoping to enjoy one of many long evenings of brilliant sunsets setting the night sky ablaze while sipping on a mint julep. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?

Mint juleps are considered a Southern cocktail beverage made from bourbon, mint, sugar and water. It is a traditional drink often served at the Kentucky Derby in a tall glass or a pewter julep cup.

What I enjoy most about this beverage is the simplicity of it. We have mint growing like weeds in our backyard. So having all the ingredients readily available makes it very easy to prepare this cocktail on a hot summer day. Dissolving sugar and water into a simple syrup is the best way to prepare this drink. I like to take it one step further by steeping mint leaves in the syrup instead of muddling the mint leaves with ice. The end result is a sweet, refreshing, and strong cocktail! Enjoy!

PS: In my opinion, this beverage is very strong and should be enjoyed slowly… very slowly. I made the mistake and had one sip on an empty stomach and decided to save the rest until after I had dinner.

Directions: In a tall glass add bourbon, crushed ice, mint-infused simple syrup, and more ice if needed. Stir well and garnish with a mint sprig.

Mint-infused simple syrup: Boil 1 cup sugar and 1 cup of water for 1 minutes. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved and the liquid is clear. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn the heat off and add one bunch of mint sprigs and allow them to steep for 20 minutes. Strain mint leaves and allow the syrup to completely cool before using.

Fabulous. While the traditional julep does not use syrup, we generally do much as you do and make a mint syrup. It’s just easier. But a little fresh muddled mint definitely gives it that bright minty edge.

I’m so glad you’re sharing lovely cocktail recipes! People don’t do it enough… I made homemade tonic water a few weeks ago and it was one of the best things I’ve ever made. I’m going to try this next…thanks Alice!

This looks fabulous! And the best thing about having mint syrup around the house is that you can use it to sweeten iced tea as well…YUMMY! I gave my husband an electric ice crusher last year for Christmas because we LOVE our mint juleps with crushed ice…the pewter cup gets so cold it just about sticks to your fingers! Thanks for the lovely post!

I sent my husband to get some bourbon after seeing this recipe. It did not disappoint!! I’ve never had a mint julep before and I have now declared it my summer drink of choice! Thank you for the recipe.